Secret Italy: 20 must-see places near Rome

If you have already visited all the wonders that the Eternal City has to offer, or you want to go off the beaten track? These wonderful places, very close to Rome, are both relaxing and fascinating. From historical sites, villages in which time stood still, or simply enchanted landscapes, all is within reach of the Italian capital. Let's take a look!

Reachable from Rome by car or subway, Ostia Antica is an essential destination for lovers of history and archeology. Located on the sea, at the mouth of the Tiber river, the splendid archaeological park of this miniature Rome is surrounded by greenery and one of the best preserved archaeological sites of the Roman era.

'The dying town:' this is how Italians define this wonderful village built on a hill. Its origins date back to the Etruscans - 2,500 years ago!. About two hours from Rome this village is one of 'the most beautiful in Italy.' It is accessible via a long bridge that can only be crossed on foot.

It is really worth visiting this jewel, just an hour from the capital, and getting lost in its narrow streets. The town was declared uninhabitable in 1935 but reoccupied in the 1960s by a group of hippies and artists. Legend has it that, at night, in its alleys, one can hear the song of witches.

If you are a lover of nature lover, will find the perfect spot in this beautiful lake of volcanic origin. If you visit Rome in summer, it can be a good place to escape the sweltering heat of the capital. In fact, Lake Bolsena is one of the few lakes in Italy suitable for bathing.

Located in the crater of an ancient volcano, this small lake, an hour from Rome, is a true oasis of peace: no wonder the Romans considered the surrounding woods to be sacred! Nemi is known for its wild strawberries. Legend has it that they were born from the tears of Venus as she was grief-stricken by the death of Adonis.

This splendid village is reflected in the waters of Lake Bracciano - where it is possible to swim! It is located just over 30 km (18.5 miles) from the capital and ideal for day trip. The town offers postcard views from any side you look at it. Not to be missed, especially at sunset.

Included among the 'most beautiful villages in Italy,' Subiaco stands on a spur of limestone from which you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Parco dei Monti Simbruini. Rich in history and tradition, the village is the cradle of Benedictine monasticism. Along the road that leads from the monasteries to the historic center of Subiaco, you can see the remains of the villa of emperor Nero. The area lies 45 minutes from Rome.

Immersed in the green of the Roman countryside, about 30km (18.5 miles) from the capital and easily reachable by car, train or bus, is the city of Tivoli. Harboring the most ancient origins of Rome itself, the Tibur Superbum as Virgil says it in the Aeneid, Tivoli preserves masterpieces such as the Baroque Villa d'Este with its spectacular waterfalls (photo), and Villa Adriana, the magnificent villa of emperor Hadrian. Both have been labeled world human heritage.

A waterfall of 30 meters (98,4 ft) is accompanied by a medieval castle in the historic center. Isola Liri is a perfect starting point for visiting nearby architectural treasures like the Abbey of Casamari and Montecassino. The town is very lively in the evening thanks to the numerous restaurants and bars along the Liri river.

The town of Bomarzo owes its fame mainly to its Parco Dei Mostri, created in 1547 at the behest of Prince Pier Francesco Orsini. Dominated by enigmatic mythological statues, alchemy symbols, and monsters of all kinds, this park is the object of study by philologists, scientists, and historians to this day. They continue trying to decipher the mysteries of this enchanted forest.

Founded as an Etruscan settlement and an important center for bronze working in Roman times, this town should be on anyone's bucket list. It has a spectacular 13th-century cathedral, called 'the golden lily of the cathedrals.' The view from the Torre del Moro is not to be missed either.

Cardinal Niccolò III Caetani, a lover of botany, ordered the construction of this fairy-tale place in the 16th century. He had the English garden built near the remains of the old medieval city of Ninfa. Its 8 hectares are home to more than a thousand plants and they are also a stage in the migratory path of many species of birds.

With an altitude of 1050 m (3444,8 ft), Cervara is the second-highest municipality in the province of Rome. It is, therefore, no surprise that it has some of the most breathtaking views in the area. The Scalinata Degli Artisti is an evocative path among the suggestive stone houses of the village and a tribute to the numerous artists who chose Cervara di Roma as their muse in the 19th century. On the walls of the staircase one can find the town's homage to Ennio Morricone, its honorary citizen.

With sulfurous waters that flow at 37º Celsius, these spectacular spas have a thousand-year history. In fact, they were already highly appreciated by the Etruscans and Romans. The thermal waters also feed the 'Cascate del Mulino:' small natural limestone pools carved into the water over the centuries. They are an oasis of peace that can be visited without limitations. We do not recommend visiting them during the weekend, though, as excessive crowding may limit some of this wonderful experience.

This lake is one of the most poetic and interesting tourist routes for nature lovers. Surrounded by the Ernici mountains and oak woods, it is best visited in spring when nature is at its best. Keep in mind, however, that the lake is not suitable for swimming.

Elected as one of the 'most beautiful villages in Italy,' Castel Gandolfo is located just over 30 minutes from the capital. Known above all for hosting the former summer residence of the popes (now part of the Vatican Museums), this town with its elegant historic center is a must for those who want to combine nature and art in one excursion.

Inhabited since the Paleolithic era, founded by the Spartans, this small town rises on the Pontine seafront. Even the Romans appreciated the place and used it for their summer holidays: they built sumptuous villas whose remains can still be admired. The villa of emperor Tiberius, for example, has terraces facing the sea. Sperlonga, with its white houses and unexpected views of the sea from the narrow streets of the historic center,is worth visiting anytime of the year.

Located in the protected area of the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park, Ovindoli is an exceptional destination for lovers of winter sports. It has 21 slopes, three chairlifts, a ski lift, and the longest moving walkway in Italy. It is also perfect in summer for those who prefer fresh mountain air to a beach holiday. This beautiful mountain town is only 1.5 hour from Rome.

Santa Severa is not only a splendid seaside resort but also a place rich in monuments of great historical interest. Among them is the castle of the same name (photo), one of the most romantic and evocative places in all of Lazio. Built on the remains of an important Etruscan town (Pyrgi), Santa Severa can be easily reached from Rome by train. The distance is only 50 km (31 miles).

This town's origins are not Roman; they are even older. The evidence lies in the cyclopean walls of the acropolis which, according to some, date back to the Iron Age (VIII / VII century BC). Together with the medieval tower overlooking the town, the ruins are well worth a visit. Arpino also boasts a spectacular gastronomy. Finally, the panorama that opens to the eyes of visitors from its narrow streets, is incomparable - especially at sunset.